Friday, December 19, 2008

Why is it more people aren't outraged by an attempted assault on the president of the United States? That's a question I've been asking myself a lot lately in the wake of the shoe toss heard around the world.

Following are some of the comments I've heard, from educated people, no less:

Too bad he didn't hit him

Should've thrown a brick

Stuff that makes the first two comments seem tasteful

The same people who would be begging for police protection if someone hurled even an insult at them, find this incident acceptable -- or even merited. Worse yet, they delight in it, as if Bush finally got what was coming to him.

News coverage of the event seems mostly intent on embarrassing the president.

Over the last several years, I've heard a lot about supposed hate speech bred by right-wing commentators. Apparently, hate speech cuts both ways, as evidenced by the way some people embrace this zealot and his lawlessness.

As I've said already, this wasn't an innocent case of free expression in my book. It was an outright attempt to injure our commander in chief. Wonder how many people would stand for a loved one being attacked with a shoe?

I applaud President Bush for his measured response -- as well as his quick reflexes.

Even if you don't like Bush, our president deserves respect, regardless of whether you voted for him or agree with his party or policies. We'll all be reminded of that soon enough, just not until Obama takes the oath.